I am writing
to ask for your support for 'Family Friendly Jury Duty legislation' that
will be filed for the 2007-2008 session of Ohio's General Assembly. This
legislation would allow at-home caregivers of babies and young children,
those who care for an elderly or disabled relative, and those who home
school their children to defer jury service until their children are older
or their care giving responsibilities have ceased. I think this legislation
is important to the well-being of many families in the State of Ohio.

This bill would relieve the burden of jury service on families who care for
their young children or disabled relatives in the home.

When such a
parent or family caregiver is called for jury duty, safe, reliable, all-day
substitute care is rarely available on short notice and for an indeterminate
period of time.
If available at all, the cost is out of reach for most
families, burdening lower income families the most.

Because the decision to defer jury service until the child attains the age
of 12 is
optional,
this bill does not exclude any particular class of jurors from the pool.
Some families will choose to serve in spite of the option to defer.

If 'Family
Friendly Jury Duty' legislation is passed, Ohio will join the majority
of U.S. states that have, or are considering, some form of family-friendly
jury duty legislation. This legislation would ensure the well-being of our
most vulnerable citizens -- our children, the disabled, and the elderly.
These are citizens who need to be cared for, not inconveniences that need to
be dealt with, and as citizens of this country, they are supposed to be
protected under our Constitution.
'Family Friendly Jury Duty' legislation recognizes that our justice system
not only protects the rights of defendants standing trial, it exists to
protect all
of our citizens.

I believe in supporting the democracy we have, that affords us so many
benefits and freedoms. I have responded to the call to jury service in the
past, and will gladly do so again at a later date when it will not be
detrimental to my family's needs.
Jury duty is an important civic
responsibility, but canít it wait?

Please convey my wholehearted support for the passage of HB 256 to the
relevant legislative committees and leaders of each chamber.

Sincerely,
(your name, complete address, and phone number -- so your
legislator knows youíre in his/her district -- Very important!)
cc:Leaders
of both chambers (House
and Senate)
and Rep. Thom
Collier